We have represented defendants age 13 to 63 in criminal cases involving child
abuse, and it a core belief at our firm that the stigma that attaches to an innocent
person when they are wrongfully accused of the abuse of a child is almost as
horrendous as actual abuse. We have taken these types of cases to trial, and will
continue to do so, when we feel our client has been wrongfully accused of crimes
involving child abuse.

DHS Maltreatment Findings

Our representation in child abuse cases has involved criminal allegations of child
abuse, but has also involved allegations of child maltreatment filed by the Arkansas
Department of Human Services. Those cases result in the name of the accused being
listed on the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Registry (CHRIS). If your name is listed
on the CHRIS registry, it can seriously affect your ability to get a job, especially in
any field involving children, or requiring background checks.

The DHS maltreatment case usually begins with the accused receiving a "30-day
letter" from DHS, stating that a finding of maltreatment has been substantiated.
From the date of receipt of that letter, the accused has thirty days to ask, in writing,
for an appeal hearing. That hearing may be held by telephone, video conference, or
in person at the DHS Office of Appeals and Hearings in Little Rock, Arkansas. When
we handle these cases, we always request an in-person hearing in Little Rock, where
we call witnesses and put on evidence for our client, on the record. The hearing
takes place in front of an administrative law judge, and is largely informal in nature.
Having handled many of these cases over the years, we have had consistently great
results in getting maltreatment allegations thrown out in these hearings, time and
time again.